Real Estate Weekly July 3, 2020 by Skagit Publishing

INSIDE CLEAR STRATEGIES TO SELL HOMES PAGE 5 HOW TO NAVIGATE YOUR TIMESHARE DURING THIS PANDEMIC PERIOD PAGE 7 CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 7

JULY 3-JULY 9, 2020

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INSIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

Q&A

Ask Our Broker.......................................................................P4

Clear strategies to sell homes................................P5 How to navigate your timeshare during this pandemic period .................................P7 Classifieds............................................................................P7

360.757.6013 800.869.7084

Brown McMillen

w w w. b r o w n m c m i l l e n . c o m • 235 W. Rio Vista Avenue, Burlington

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Beautiful 5-acre parcel just East of Sedro Woolley. Marketable timber, level, and a small creek. Great building site, power in street and waiting for your next home. Recently surveyed, and all corners are well marked. $110,000 #1622624

Close to I-5, this 1.5-acre tri-level home has beautiful mountain/ territorial views. Three bedrooms, new carpets & remodeled master suite. New pressurized septic system and heat pump. Large barn on property for many uses! All appliances stay. $550,000 #1621360

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Beautiful 2-acre parcel of land with many outbuildings. This 2BD/2BA home has been updated & ready to move into. Light & bright country style kitchen. Nice & quiet location. All appliances in home will stay. 2/1.75 $650,000 #1617670 Yvonne Brown Galen Kindred Holly Hilts Jeff Ingman

all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. For further information call HUD Toll Free at 1-800-669-9777. All Houses subject to prior changes without notice. Neither advertisers nor Skagit Publishing are responsible for any errors in the ad copy. Skagit Publishing reserves the right to refuse any advertising, which we deem unsuitable for our

360-840-4375 360-770-7083 360-661-5538 360-202-2859

Bow Rambler - 1.45 Acres...4BD/3BA, 2360 SF & 1188 SF attached garage. Kitchen with island open to dining/living room, & River rock surrounding woodstove. Beautiful private setting, large patio, RV parking, & Easy access to I-5. $665,000 #1616245

Shelah Inman Jodi Dynes Ron Wortham Mary Jo Reitsma

360-661-0145 360-333-7783 360-661-1500 360-770-6013

Travis Lohman Tod LeHecka Jan Scally Dale Owenby

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publication. Unless otherwise noted, all photographs, artwork and ad designs printed are the sole property of Skagit Publishing and may not be duplicated or reprinted without express written permission. Skagit Publishing is not responsible for typographical or production errors or the accuracy of information provided by advertisers.

Partner

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY FROM ALL OF US TO YOU! STAY SAFE!

360-661-4533 360-333-1032 360-421-5160 360-913-8662

Dana Holmes Katie Hilsinger Ryan Scally Titus Price

360-770-6716 360-391-3796 425-420-5788 513-259-1534

2013655

All real estate advertised in Real Estate Weekly is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertising which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that

July 3, 2020

FEATURED HomE FRom covER:

Skagit Tradition Realty 3780 E. college Way mount vernon, WA 360-424-0300 www.skagittraditionrealty.com

Real Estate Stat

The median number of years of real estate experience a Realtor has. Source: National Association of Realtors

Sandi riley 770-8670

$156,900

1103 COURTNEY LANE, ‘’BURLINGTON HILL ESTATES’’ BRL. $132,900

UN iT # 106

55+

UN iT # 32

55+

CALL SANDI RILEY 360-770-8670

*JUST LISTED, DESIRABLE EAST ‘’OUTSIDE’’ LOT W/FENCED YARD *LOADED W/UPGRADES, 2 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS, 55+ LIVING AT IT’S BEST *NEWER FLOOR COVERINGS, NEW PLUMBING & MORE, MOVE IN READY!

*NEW LISTING, LOVELY 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH HOME W/FAMILY ROOM! *OPEN PLAN W/BIG DOUBLE GARAGE, EXTRA PARKING *CLOSE TO PICNIC/PARK AREA, GATED PARK,. SOLD ‘’AS IS’’

2610 E. SECTION ST. ‘’LITTLE MTN. ESTATES’’ MT. VERNON

$124,950

UN iT # 73

55+

YOUR HOME FEATURED HERE! CALL FOR A CURRENT ‘’MARKET APPRAISAL’’ SANDI RILEY 360-770-8670 2610 E. SECTION ST. ‘’LITTLE MTN. ESTATES’’MT. VERNON

$158,900

2610 E. SECTION ST. ‘’LITTLE MTN. ESTATES’’ MT. VERNON

CALL SANDI RILEY 360-770-8670

*SPACIOUS 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH BEAUTY W/LOVELY GAS FIREPLACE *LG. KITCHEN W/SUNNY BREAKFAST NOOK, GAS HEAT, A/C *55+ LIVING AT IT’S BEST, ENJOY GATED PRIVACY & CLUBHOUSE ACTIVITIES!

*GORGEOUS TRIPLEWIDE ON OVERSIZE LOT, LOVELY PASTORAL VIEWS *3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS, FAMILY ROOM OFF NEW KITCHEN, GAS HEAT *A/C, HUGE DOUBLE GARAGE + HEATED SHOP, LG. PATIO & MORE!

14070 RIVER BEND ROAD, MT. VERNON

10681 ALDER DR., ROCKPORT

6932 STEELHEAD LANE, BURLINGTON

$348,900

sold

$363,900

sold

CALL SANDI RILEY 360-770-8670

*COUNTRY SETTING CLOSE IN, ESTATE SALE ‘’AS IS’’, GORGEOUS VIEWS *RECENT UPDATES, 3 BEDROOM 1.5 BATHS, ‘’60’S’’ CHARM! *LG. DOUBLE GARAGE + CARPORT, COUNTRY 3/4 ACRE SETTING

*SAUK MTN. VIEW, MOSTLY WOODED ‘’SHY’’ 5 ACRES EAST OF CONCRETE *ONE OF A KIND RETREAT W/RUSTIC CHARM, PRIVACY PLUS *2+ BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS, 2600 SQ. FT. + LARGE BASEMENT

*UPGRADED RAMBLER W/GAS FIREPLACE, NEWER VINYL WINDOWS *3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS, LG. FAMILYROOM + SUN ROOM *R.V. COVERED PARKING, DOUBLE GARAGE + SHOP, RIVER FRONTAGE!

Christa Canell Freeland Escrow Manager/LPO 360.331.4838

Brandi Jensen Stanwood Escrow Manager/LPO 360.629.9737

Holly Mathers Island County Title Manager 360.675.2246

Katey Von Hagel Marketing Representative 360.707.1076

LAND TITLE AND ESCROW W

2023480

July 3, 2020

Shelley Miner Burlington Escrow Manager/LPO 360.707.2312

PENd

CALL ANITA KOHL 360-961-7795

sold

Eldon Brown Skagit County Manager 360.707.2158

$204,900

*TOP 5 PARKS IN WASHINGTON STATE, GATED PRIVACY, CLUBHOUSE & POOL *VERY NICE 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH W/NEW FLOOR COVERINGS *TREX DECK, GAS F/A HEAT, A/C, BONUS ROOM BEHIND CARPORT! $324,900

Cathy West Oak Harbor Escrow Manager/LPO 360.679.5055

iNG

PENd

Elva HuntEr (360) 202-3086

Upscale Eaglemont Condo on 2 levels, luxurious throughout. Main floor Master w/walk-in closet, shower & jetted tub. Lg Kitchen with Granite & Stainless, custom cabinet, living room/and dining w/ fireplace. Hardwood floors, custom shades, crown molding, wrap around w/Mahogany deck and great views ready for your BBQ. Library/den with built-in shelves. Downstairs with large gathering room, fireplace, built in bar, 2nd Master suit. Covered patio, ample storage,heatpump/AC.Greatcommunity! MLS#: 1621969

2610 E. SECTION ST. ‘’LITTLE MTN. ESTATES’’ MT. VERNON

$499,900

2021203

STAT

1610 Alpine Crest lp #B, Mount Vernon

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Service you deserve with people you trust Visit any of our 5 locations in Oak Harbor, Burlington, Freeland, Stanwood and Anacortes

Ltco.com

2001581

Q&A

Fishing for a payoff Question:

Two years ago, I refinanced a $370,000 loan at 3.75% to cash out $80,000. The new loan was $450,000, but the interest rate rose to 4.25%. I never used the money like I thought I would, so it’s collecting 2% in a money market account. Is the current rate low enough to justify a refinance? I don’t need any additional money. I would still like a 15-year payoff. I thought one needed a 2% differential before it becomes worthwhile to refinance.

Answer:

For decades, people have talked about the so-called 2% refinancing rule. It’s the urban legend of real estate, the idea that you should never refinance unless the new rate is at least 2% lower than the old one. You have a $450,000 mortgage at 4.25%. Over 30 years, that gives you a monthly cost of $2,213.73 for principal and interest. At the time of this writing, Freddie Mac reports that you will likely have a

ASK OUR BROKER By Peter G. Miller

3.33% rate for a replacement loan. That gives you a $1,978.24 monthly cost. You will save $235.49 a month or $2,826 a year. In this example that the rate did not fall 2%, it fell just .93%. Refinancing, in this case, violates the sacred 2% rule. But so what. Why should you pay almost $3,000 a year in extra interest if it’s not necessary? You also want to go from 30-year financing to a 15year mortgage. In that case, your new interest rate will be 2.82%, according to Freddie Mac, and the monthly payment will increase to $3,068.81. That’s an extra $855.08 or $10,261 a year. That’s not affordable for many households, but if you can swing it financially, it may be worthwhile. The reason is that the potential interest cost goes from $346,943, with 30-year financing at 4.25% to $102,386 with the 15-year loan. That’s a possible savings of $244,557. First, when you look at possible lifetime interest savings, you have to consider that it’s unlikely a mortgage will be outstanding for 30 years and

Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Tel. (360) 416-4902

www.npsar.com

VISIT RE-WEEKLY.COM TO EASILY SEARCH FOR LOCAL REAL ESTATE LISTINGS!

REALTOR® Charity Golf Tournament Thurs, Aug 27th, 2020 at Skagit Golf & Country Club Register today for the REALTOR® Charity Golf Tournament benefiting Skagit Habitat for Humanity and Friendship House.

The tournament is open to the public and all skill levels! Registration is $125 per person and includes ‘grab ‘n go’ brunch, prizes, and more! Sign up a foursome, or a single! To Register, or for more information, visit our website: www.npsar.realtor Or contact North Puget Sound Association of REALTORS® at 360-416-4902

Major Event Sponsor:

Mission Statement: The Nor th Puget Sound Association of Realtor s advocates for Realtor s and their clients, and promotes the protection of property rights.

Email your real estate questions for Mr. Miller to peter@ctwfeatures.com.

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NORTH PUGET SOUND ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® 525 East College Way, Suite J

even 15 years. That’s because we typically sell or refinance well before a mortgage term ends. However, there is a benefit to financing with a shorter term. When the property is sold or refinanced, less will be owed to the lender. Second, instead of the 2% rule, look for a “material benefit” when refinancing. For instance, will you get a lower rate? A smaller monthly cost? Less interest over the life of the loan? A switch from adjustable to fixed-rate financing? Third, always ask if refinancing makes sense. There are expenses to refinance, either up-front or in the form of a higher rate or bigger loan amount for socalled “no-cost” refinancing. Ask if you can get your loan costs back within 36 months. If you’re going to move in a year or 18 months, it may not make sense to refinance because of closing costs, even though a new rate might be lower. As for the “2% rule,” forget it.

EASY TO USE TOOLS & THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION FOR FINDING LOCAL REAL ESTATE

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July 3, 2020

Clear strategies to sell homes By Marilyn Kennedy Melia CTW Features ome sellers, what’s your plan? Whether it’s to sell quickly, to maximize profit, or avoid the hassles of multiple showings, it takes a good plan, known in the real estate business as a ”competitive market analysis” or CMA, for sellers to realize their objective. Sellers are routinely advised to select an agent-based upon their CMA, which may run several pages or more. CMAs typically contain three “standard things,” says Jared Frost of Blue Pebble Group, Keller Williams, Denver. Those are research supporting a specific list price, the commission t charge, and a detailed marketing strategy.

July 3, 2020

Now, with economic uncertainty, a good CMA is especially critical. Here, agents from around the country share how they are crafting CMAs: . An intensive examination of recent sales. The similar price homes sold for in the past several months is the guide for setting a list price. Now, though, “It depends on how quickly a property got under contract pre-COVID,” says Irene Keene, Coldwell Banker Realty, in Madison, Connecticut. If the property went under contract in a month or so, “the property was priced right,” she adds. . An active survey of the competition. While recent closed sales and pending sales typically guide pricing, an examination of what other similar homes on the market are priced at “allow you to understand how the market

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is changing,” notes Vicente Enriques, The Enriquez Group, Keller Williams in San Diego. . A comprehensive online presence. “Virtual tours are an absolute requirement now,” says Frost, since buyers are shopping online more than ever to keep physical visits to a minimum. However, quality tours are often costly since they are filmed by a professional photographer. Agents may be unwilling to reduce their commission, Frost adds, but it’s “worth the cost.” Besides online tours and listing presentations, look for agents who provide other online marketing on social media, and “Facebook Live” tours, concludes Paige Elliott, Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate in Dallas. 5

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Now could be the time to sell a new home and earn a slice of the real estate pie. Record-low interest rates and record-low housing prices are renewing interest in the floundering housing market for many people. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When sellers are interviewing real estate agents to market their homes, their primary focus is usually on the advertising that the agent will offer them,â&#x20AC;? says Jessica Goodbody of Weichert Realtors. Let us help you meet your marketing goals by advertising your listings in Real Estate Weekly.

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July 3, 2020

are telling you in writing,” recommends attorney Derek Potts, managing partner of The Potts Law Firm in Houston. “Some companies have been forthcoming and fair in how they’re handling this pandemic,” Schreier says, adding that disgruntled timeshare owners need to realize that “not being able to use your timeshare this year is not legal grounds for getting you out of your contract.” Still, Potts and others understand why many owners lately are pursuing timeshare exit strategies. “Even before the pandemic, consumers who entered into timeshare contracts often found themselves unable to escape the contractual obligations. Many By Erik J. Martin like Hilton Grand Vacations unwittingly sign a contract Most resorts are waiving cancellation fees or allowing CTW Features Club, Wyndham Vacation that not only buys them a owners to rebook for a later date without penalty any Americans Club, Hyatt Residence timeshare but also locks enjoy the flexClub, and Disney Vacation them into an owners assoibility and value needs to be canceled and to rebook for a later date Club). ciation in which they must rebooked. Others want out without penalty. And time- “Timeshare owners are of a timeshare, which continue to pay ownership entirely due to lingering share owners are allowed facing both financial and provides a guaranteed and maintenance fees,” coronavirus concerns that to bank their use rights or usage challenges lately,” getaway to a desirable Potts explains. location, can be a lot less are making the prospect of move them into next year notes Lisa Ann Schreier, Gamel cautions against vacationing any time soon so that they can have twice founder of Clermont, expensive than owning trusting in timeshare exit less appealing overall. the vacationing power in a second home, enables Florida-based The Timecompanies, which typically 2021.” you to secure future travel Jason Gamel, president share Crusader. “Many “charge hefty upfront fees Some timeshare compaplans at today’s rates, and and CEO of the American are wondering after forced with a promise to get you Resort Development Asnies aren’t as flexible as may permit you to swap cancellations—will they get out of your contract yet ofsociation in Washington, many owners would like or rent out your unit to their points back? What if ten take years to produce D.C., says timeshare when it comes to policy others. the points were about to results if they ever do.” restrictions on things like But planning and booking companies have worked expire? Will they receive a Instead, if you’re serious refunded points. For invacations in the era of CO- hard to accommodate refund of fees? How long about severing ties with stance, USA Today recently will they have to re-use VID-19 aren’t so easy. Nor timeshare owners and your timeshare, pursue is rescheduling them with ease their vacation cancel- reported that Marriott Va- their time?” legal representation. cations Worldwide (owner If in doubt, contact your satisfaction. Due to social lation pains during these “Have your timeshare of Vistana) required owndistancing rules and finan- unprecedented times. timeshare company for contract reviewed by an ers to rebook an excursion answers. cial pressures, many time- “Timeshare owners have attorney who is capable of share properties, beaches, several options if their res- with refunded points within “Review your timeshare advising you on your legal ervations were canceled 120 days of that trip and parks, and other related contract immediately rights and obligations,” due to resort closures or that some owners weren’t and contact the company suggests Potts. “However, amenities remain closed at the time of this writing. if they feel uncomfortable able to reserve the same regarding any COVID-19 don’t stop paying your fees destination or resort. (Note relief they may be offering. and dues without investiAnd some timeshare own- traveling due to the curers are experiencing frus- rent health environment,” that the cancellation rules Ask them to allow you to gating the consequences tration getting their points he says. “Most resorts record the conversation will vary among different of this course of action, shifted or credited toward are waiving cancellation or have them send you timeshare companies, which can adversely affect future travel when a trip fees or allowing owners including the major players confirmation of what they your credit.”

How to navigate your timeshare during this pandemic period

July 3, 2020

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CLASSIFIEDS Alpine Ridge Retirement Apartments in MV is accepting applications for 2 Bdrm apts. Income limits apply. 360-424-9622 for more info.

PUBLISHER'S NOTICE

All rental and real estate for sale advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for the rental or sale of real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD at (206) 220-5170.

10 - January 29, 2019

H Street rd., Blaine

$1,800,000

17211 CHinook Court, Mount vernon

veteranS i am pleased and honored to offer a discount to Carla Fischer our Military. 360-982-0010

Beautiful one story home offers dramatic features throughout, including a two story entryway and a large kitchen with an incredible amount of cabinetry, counter space, and storage. The living room with a natural gas fireplace overlooks the tiered yard. The master bath has double sinks; a deep oval bath tub and a large separate shower. Second

45187 itSWood trail #3B103

$16,500

$175,000

now! one no MLS# 1623909

Sherry Ruderman

360-540-1552

direCtionS

From I-5, take Kincaid exit and take a right off the exit. Take a right onto 15th and a left on Section. Cross Laventure and take a right after you pass Little Mountain School onto Phillips Loop. Sherry Ruderman MLS# 1623434 360-540-1552

3789 e. diviSion St., Mount vernon

Danya Wolf

360-708-8294

$589,000

Beautifully wooded, open park-like 10-acre future development property with existing investment income of $1,750 per month from rental of 3-bedroom, 2-bath home on one acre. Total 10 acres are perfect for future private higher-end homes or Planned Unit Development. Amenities include: Public Utility District water, Cascade Natural Gas, Puget Power (Puget Sound Energy), high speed internet, city garbage pick-up and access to city Danya Wolf 360-708-8294 sewer. MLS# 1569455

lake tyee neW liSting MLS#1559192 45104 Kachess Trail #3C1 $39,900

MLS#155167 45232 Nesika Trail #2D36 $39,500 MLS#1608945 45183 Itswood Trail #3B138 Abeautifulrecreationalresortcommunityw/newlyremodeled club house, 2 pools, 2 hot tubs, basketball court, tennis $21,500 courts, beach, boat launch, hiking, fishing and so much more. MLS#1613722 45122 Sikhs Trail #3C16 Owners may utilize the property any 210 days in a Sherry Ruderman calendar year. $39,500 360-540-1552

7308 HoBSon rd., BoW

$235,000

ial Easy access Big, corner orner lot with greenspace. greenspac C e location tion from back gat Comfort station y SPgate. only a fewflots aw Potential Julaway! oown piece to be your piec of paradise. 4thlots are mpty Empty ar rare, grab this

49/100 acre. MLS# 1587661

00!

,9 $14

offers

square foot shop, park like tract;

$950,000

2610 e SeCtion St #70, Mount vernon

suite

Generous sized two car garage; 600

Special property on a very private 1.5 acres minutes from town. Custom handcrafted, Craftsman home featuring 2278 sqft, office, main level master & a second master upstairs. Dining & living room showcasing custom stain glass windows. Kitchen w/granite counters, handcrafted cabinets. Beautiful oak floors. Detached MIL home is 702 sqft, 1 bed/1bath with a 2 car garage. Separate 1080 sqft shop; Pond and Elva Hunter Waterfall. Fabulous home! Danya Wolf 360-708-8294 360-202-3086 MLS# 1494916

7 Car Covered Parking

master

adjoining den/office space or nursery.

$425,000 13024 avon allen rd., Mount vernon $235,000 Eighty (80) acres of mostly woods including Western Red 17180 MeMorial HWy Mount vernon Cedar and Douglas Fir, Cottonwood; Alder; and Birch; with onelargepondgreatforduckhuntingtowardthenortherly portion of the 80 acres, some meadows, one small beaver pond, plenty of walking trails or bring your ATV; and an old dug well near the old home site by the southerly 6.98 acre tract zoned Rural Intermediate. Level acreage Zoned "Rural Business," this 33/100 acre tract has edge of the property to the east of the gate. Future with great road access both from Memorial Highway great visibility and is located on the southwest corner and from Avon Allen Road. Stop light and curbs at of Hwy 20 and Avon Allen Road. Location of former homesite/Pasture land along the the intersection. Special Use Permit Valley Cafe prior to Department of southwesterly edge of the property. potential. The Animal Hospital and an Transportation enhancing the size of espresso stand is across the road to the Hwy 20. Stoplight and cross walk is Potentialforupto16buildingsites.Shown west. 980 feet along Memorial Highway Danya Wolf adjacent. Great location for Espresso Danya Wolf Danya Wolf byappointment.MLS#1568051 360-708-8294 stand or similar business. MLS# 1571644 360-708-8294 (SR-536); 620 feet along Avon Allen Road. 360-708-8294

22904 BuMBleBee lane, Mount vernon

$588,500

Beautiful, quiet, 55+ gated community is a great place to settle. The club house with library, pool table, card table, gazebo, bbq/picnic area, shuffle board, horse shoes are amenities you can enjoy here at Little Mountain Estates. This immaculate 3 bedroom 2 full bath double wide has easy and gorgeous landscaping with sun room just waiting for you. This is where you want to be, so set your appointment today! Danya Wolf 360-708-8294 MLS# 1572369

360.424.0300

Vote Now for Skagit'S BeSt 2020! 2 yearS BeSt real eState office, MoSt coMMuNity MiNded BuSiNeSS

goskagit.com/contests/skagitsbest/ 3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon

www.skagittraditionrealty.com 2021204

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July 3, 2020